Antique Gilt Verge Fusee Skull Pocket Watch for Vatican City-Pope Pius IX c1840

I am pleased to offer from my private collection this rare antique gilt bronze Memento Mori Skull&Snakes Verge Fusee pocket watch specially made for the Vatican city cabinet of Pope Pius IX c1840’s.

The watch has a fine gilt case depicting a portrait of Pope Pius IX and the Vatican coat of arms-the crossed keys of St.Peter beneath the Papal Tiara Crown. The case depicting a skull snake and the Latin Motto “Sic Transit Gloria Mundi”.

(Sic transit gloria mundi is a Latin phrase that means “thus passes the glory of the world”. In idiomatic contexts, the phrase has been used to mean “fame is fleeting”.  The phrase was used in the ritual of papal coronation ceremonies between 1409 (when it was used at the coronation of Alexander V) and 1963. As the newly chosen Pope proceeded from the sacristy of St. Peter’s Basilica in his sedia gestatoria, the procession stopped three times. On each occasion, a papal master of ceremonies would fall to his knees before the Pope, holding a silver or brass reed, bearing a tow of smoldering flax. For three times in succession, as the cloth burned away, he would say in a loud and mournful voice, “Pater Sancte, sic transit gloria mundi!” (“Holy Father, so passes worldly glory!”).These words, thus addressed to the Pope, served as a reminder of the transitory nature of life and earthly honours)

Excellent original condition. The watch has a fine enamel dial with original hands 56mm

A matching key included. Perfect working order(do not expect a quartz accuracy from 180 years old watch).

Free shipping to worldwide.

NOTE:PLEASE OBSERVE CAREFULLY THE PHOTOS! IT IS A SIGNIFICANT PART OF THE DESCRIPTION. Every possible defect which is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!

is shown in the photos,but not mention in the description,will be considered for described.All the photos shoot by professional Nikon 105 Macro lens under 40x diopter magnification,so you can explore even the smallest detail like under microscope!